Good Monday to you Steelers fans.
Greetings from the road. I think, and I stress “think,” this is my last road trip of the summer with my son. We’ve been all over the Midwest visiting colleges and so on. You aren’t here for that though and neither am I today. The Pittsburgh Steelers, through the first week of Training Camp, have questions a plenty. For starters? Who has the bubble wrap to keep T.J. Watt in until the season begins? He’s already shown he’s ready to roll and the Steelers can’t afford to lose him. Secondly, could Mason Rudolph really start the season at quarterback? Yes, yes he could. The ramifications of that are for another day but this was an open competition and right now he’s winning it. Third, is Diontae Johnson going to get his deal after Deebo Samuel got his? Let’s put it this way, if Johnson’s agent has requested $20 million per season then he isn’t doing his job. Again, it doesn’t matter what you and I think he’s worth, the market is dictating all of this. My gut continues to tell me they won’t come to an agreement before the season begins. That will leave the ball squarely in Johnson’s court as he’ll need to decide whether or not to play. This means he’d risk injury before getting a big payday next season either under the franchise tag or free agency.
The Podcast
In case you missed it, episode 278 of the SCB Steelers Podcast presented by DEK Roofing Inc is available for your listening and/or viewing pleasure. We covered the beginning of Camp and we let things roll from there!
Tweet of the Day… Personally I think this strategy by the NFLPA isn’t good.
The NFLPA wants the NFL to agree to accept Judge Robinson's decision in the Deshaun Watson case. Here's a closer look at why the union wants it — and why the NFL likely won't take the bait. https://t.co/Qj45IyAGN9
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) August 1, 2022
Pickens
Rookie wide receiver George Pickens has been one of the stars of Training Camp so far almost to the point of annoyance. I say that in the best interests of Pickens himself. I felt obliged to write this piece last week in an effort to get some people to slow down on the overreactions. Some didn’t agree and some did. That’s why I do what I do.
The Guardian Cap
If you aren’t sure what that is, it’s the funny looking padded helmet that the Steelers and many other teams wear over their existing helmets. Jets’ Coach Robert Saleh stated last week that he’s concerned that players are using their heads too much because they feel the added security of the padding. I like Saleh, but here’s a suggestion. Why not continue to “coach” your players not to use their heads? This has been going on since the NFL started talking head injuries seriously so why not keep doing it? Just because they’re wearing these caps doesn’t mean you stop teaching proper technique.
Celebrating 50 years of “Immaculate”
We’ve got a brand new shirt/hoodie in our online store with DC4L Custom Tees celebrating the 50th anniversary of the “Immaculate Reception!” Get yours right here.
FOCO
The great people at FOCO have released their brand new Steelers Spring Collection and I’ve got it right here for you. We get a small percentage back on anything that you buy so please consider it! AND…. Check out their selection of reusable bags too! There are tons of great Steelers item on their site outside of the Spring collection too!
Our Online Store
Please visit our online store! We have been so fortunate to work with DC4L Custom Tees! They are wonderful to work with and are willing to work with you on just about any design you can come up with!
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